Orthopaedic Specialties

Foot / Ankle

Ankle sprains are very common (1:10,000 population/day, i.e. 400 in Sydney today) and can easily happen when the ankle twists, rolls or turns beyond its normal range. It can also happen when you place your foot on an uneven or unstable surface, causing your ankle ligaments to stretch or tear.

Keeping off your foot or using crutches for 5 days can often successfully treat an ankle sprain. Surgery is rarely needed acutely and RICE is a standard treatment:

Rest. Avoid putting weight on the ankle. Your doctor may suggest using crutches for the first few days after the injury.

Ice. Gently massage the area with ice to help decrease swelling.

Compression. Compression tubigrip or a wrap bandage may be helpful.

Elevation.

Ankle fractures, on the other hand, more commonly require surgery. A broken ankle can range from a simple break most commonly of the fibula, to fracture/dislocations with joint cartilage damage and potentially serious long term consequences.

A common injury that may require surgery is a rupture of your Achilles Tendon. The Achilles Tendon is one of the largest in the body. It connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and is used when you walk, run and jump. Although the tendon can withstand great stresses, it is vulnerable to injury and can be ruptured or torn so that it no longer performs its normal function. The tendon is also prone to tendinosis, a condition associated with overuse and degeneration. There are several treatment options which a surgeon can discuss with you.

ASOS supports the family doctor–patient relationship. If you have any symptoms that might require treatment, consult your GP, who will refer you to an appropriate orthopaedic specialist.